Holy crap what a night for hockey. We've got TWO Game 7's going tonight with the Blackhawks/Canucks and the Sabres/Flyers. Incredible series' so far and incredible drama and action building for tonight.
From a bettor's perspective, tonight can also be very interesting indeed. The Blackhawks and Sabres are both pretty hefty underdogs while the Flyers and Canucks are clearly bloated favorites, both sitting at higher than -160. My question is this — based on how the Canucks have played in the last three games, what are oddsmakers thinking by placing the line this high? The Blackhawks have already faced a must-win situation in Vancouver and beat the Canucks SOUNDLY. Why then, is this line so incredibly high? Doesn't make sense to me. I know the Canucks are the most talented team in hockey and they won the most games during the season. What they aren't, anymore, is that same team, in my opinion. Robert Luongo has looked lost in front of the net since Game 3. It's like he needs a compass to figure out where he's going and what he's supposed to do. That doesn't sound like a franchise goalie to me. I will be watching to see whether or not the Dave Bolland factor continues to implement itself tonight. Since coming back in Game 4, Bolland is +6 while the Sedin brothers are a very effective -13. Ouch. Crawford in net tonight is the key for Chicago's historic run.
Interesting stat: This is the seventh time a Game 7 was forced by a team down 0-3. Three teams have pulled off the feat.
In the Philly/Buffalo game, we have a similar situation, well sort of. The Sabres held a 3-2 lead on the Flyers and the last two games have gone into overtime. Hard fought series here but I think Philly has the edge — if they stick with Boucher in net. I think this series is going to be defined by the goaltending of the Flyers because it's been really good at times and other times, well, it's been just awful. Mike Richards is going to play tonight and Ryan Miller pretty much thinks he's a little girl.
I like the Flyers to win tonight but not at that price. Miller has been effective for the most part during this series and I just don't see laying this number to be a smart move. Shop around or pass tonight.
The Montreal/Boston series could end tonight. . .or continue being played on Thursday. I think the Canadiens have the upper edge here, but Boston is playing some pretty good hockey, winning the last two games in overtime. Carey Price has to show up in net for the Habs tonight or the Bruins are going to be marching on to the second round. If Boston can score their first power play goal it could also be an uphill battle for the Canadiens.
Either way, it's going to be a great night to watch some hockey.
Thoughts?